Despite the government’s aggressive enlightenment campaign and the participation of several donor agencies, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS remains alarmingly high in Akwa Ibom State.
The Ongoing Battle
Akwa Ibom state has consistently held the unfortunate title of having the highest burden of HIV in Nigeria, with a prevalence rate of 5.5%, according to the Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS).
This unsettling statistic has raised concerns among health officials, leading to intensified efforts to combat the spread of the virus.
Gender Disparity and Vulnerability
Recent data from the Akwa Ibom State programme in 2022 reveals that approximately 240,000 individuals are currently receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS in the state.
However, the data also highlights a significant gender disparity, showing that females are the worst affected due to biological and social reasons.
The survey reveals that young adult females between the ages of 20-24 have an HIV prevalence four times higher than males in the same age group.
Additionally, there are 10,833 adolescents and young persons on medication, emphasizing the need for positive living and adherence to viral suppression and epidemic control measures.
The Call for Awareness and Collaboration
Dr. Edith Mathias Igbemi, a key figure in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Akwa Ibom State, warns that the state’s alarming HIV prevalence, particularly among women, necessitates a stronger focus on control measures.
Dr. Igbemi calls for greater awareness campaigns and collaboration with stakeholders and development partners to reach and educate adolescents and young girls in the state.
Addressing the Challenges
During a sensitization program on HIV/AIDS, Mrs. Cecilia Ekanem, a health worker at the Primary Health Centre in Uyo, identifies low access to antenatal care as a contributing factor to the spread of HIV from mother to child in the state.
Mrs. Ekanem emphasizes the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, which helps protect the baby from diseases, including HIV.
Breaking the Stigma
Stigma remains a significant challenge for individuals living with HIV in Akwa Ibom State.
Edikan, an undergraduate living with HIV, shares his personal experience and encourages people to get tested and take positive action after knowing their status.
Dr. Enobong Akpan, the Manager of the Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS (AKSACA), advocates for the domestication of anti-stigma and discrimination laws in the state, promising sanctions against any organization or institution found to stigmatize HIV-positive individuals.
Dr. Igbemi reveals that stigma remains a driving factor in the epidemic, especially among young people, citing a study that shows 31.9% of respondents fear disclosing their HIV status due to stigma.
Increasing Prevention and Testing
Gideon Solomon of the Heartland Alliance identifies a lack of access to prevention materials, such as condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (Prep), as a significant factor contributing to the spread of HIV in Akwa Ibom State.
He urges individuals to know their status and consistently follow prevention procedures, emphasizing the effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (Prep) in shielding individuals from HIV infection.
